New JCAD model tests for opioids, illegal drugs
This upgrade, developed by the U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command Chemical & Biological Center (RDECOM C&B), comes concurrently with modifications enabling the JCAD to detect explosive compounds. Both capabilities are expected to undergo field testing in the coming months, giving warfighters the chance to demonstrate the technology and…
Handheld Genomic Sequencer Shows Promise in Field Demo
Owned by Oxford Nanopore Technologies and released to scientists for testing in 2013, the MinION is a DNA/RNA sequencer that the U.S. Army sees as a potential, all-purpose biothreat detector. “Initially, we imagine being able to use the MinION in conjunction with the current biological detection technologies, but eventually, all…
Saliva Samples Provide Gauge for Warfighter Readiness
By isolating and analyzing certain biomarkers found in saliva, scientists can determine a warfighter’s physical condition and determine whether to pull him out of combat or to extend the recovery time before re-engaging. “This data could help draw a correlation between various metabolite biomarkers and warfighter performance; for example relating…
RDECOM C&B Center Director Addresses Future of CB Defense
With a focus on the Army’s modernization priorities, the annual CBRN Defense Conference and Exhibition provided an opportunity for attendees to learn from key leaders about acquisition requirements and partnership opportunities across the CBRN support spectrum. Moore spoke about several RDECOM C&B Center focus areas which align with the U.S….
RAMP MD Extends RDECOM C&B Center Partnership to 2023
RDECOM C&B Center Director Eric Moore, Ph.D. and RAMP MD Executive Director Rick Decker marked the occasion by signing an amendment to the existing cooperative research and development agreement during a signing ceremony at the Center’s additive manufacturing facility. This amendment will allow the Center to continue to be an…
In wake of volcanic eruption, RDECOM C&B advises first responders
The volcano’s continued eruption has cast ash and chemicals into the air, posing a health concern for first responders. For a century, RDECOM C&B scientists have developed equipment to protect warfighters for situations where they may be exposed to chemicals on the battlefield. Chemicals of concern include sulfur dioxide, hydrogen…
Students begin internships in Army labs
With diverse backgrounds in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering and math, the students come from as far as North Carolina and are enrolled in the Minority Undergraduate Student Internship Program (MUSIP). Through MUSIP, students will work with their mentors, conduct research for RDECOM C&B Center, and produce presentations on topics of…
ECBC’s Crystal Harris Earns Army Photography Award
A biologist with the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center Chemical Biological Operations Branch since 2008, Harris recently was named a winner in the 2017 Army Digital Photography Contest, coming in third place in the People category for her photograph, “Mermaid Song.” “My interest for photography started when I was young,” Harris…
ECBC Scientist Presents a Better Smoke Bomb at American Chemical Society’s Annual Meeting
This is the challenge that Zander presented in a poster at the 255th annual meeting of the American Chemical Society in New Orleans on March 18. It was attended by over 16,600 chemists from all over the world. Zander’s topic was selected because it represented a novel form of research…
ECBC Scientists and Engineers Join Airmen on the Flight Line
RED HORSE stands for Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, and the ECBC researchers spent March 26-29 on the flight line at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, observing and interacting with the Airmen responsible for decontaminating aircraft and flight crews. The program that made this possible was created…